News

Aug 22, 2023

Eye on Art: New shows brighten up summer’s waning days in Lowell

“Flower Power” opens this week at the Brush Art Gallery in Lowell. (Courtesy The Brush) "Butterflies," a watercolor by Don Sullivan in the silent auction at the Brush cocktail party on Sept. 7.

“Flower Power” opens this week at the Brush Art Gallery in Lowell. (Courtesy The Brush)

"Butterflies," a watercolor by Don Sullivan in the silent auction at the Brush cocktail party on Sept. 7. (Courtesy the Brush)

Upcoming talk at Whistler House is on Whistler, Degas and abstract art. (Courtesy Whistler House)

Sigh — it’s August.

Summer’s more than half over, and the Lowell Folk Festival is a pleasant memory. But don’t fret. There’s still plenty of art to enjoy before chilly days and sweater weather arrives.

New shows open this week at the Brush Art Gallery and Studios and the Storage Closet Gallery at Western Avenue Studios and Lofts, both located in Lowell.

The Brush presents “Flower Power,” a juried art quilt exhibit showcasing work inspired by flowers and created using blossoms, leaves, and vines or colorful abstract flower forms. The annual show is on Aug. 5-Sept. 16, with an artist reception 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12.

Jurors include Mary Walter, who also curates the show, and Karen Pulaski. Both are longtime expert art quilters and quilting experts and authorities.

The exhibit includes beautiful pieces by Allison Wilbur, Barrington, R.I.; Audrey Augun, Hollis, N.H.; Cathy Papazian, Lexington; Cindy Lewis, West Newton; Debb Putnam, Andover; Ellen Fisher, Hollis, N.H.; Mary-Ellen Latino, Arroyo Grande, Calif.; Phyllis Small, West Hartford, Conn.; Sandy Gregg, Cambridge; Sherry Winkelman, Winchester; Stephanie Shore, Lexington; Suzanne Meader, Sterling, Va.; Suzanne Munroe, Barrington, R.I.; Suzanne Neusner, South Orange, N.J.; Tricia Deck, Lincoln; and Donna Downer, Canton.

The Brush is located at 256 Market St. For info, visit www.thebrush.org or call 978-459-7819.

Garry Harley’s digital paintings are featured in “Beauty is the Mystery of Life” at the Storage Closet Gallery, located on the 2nd Floor at 160 Western Ave.

The exhibit is open to the public during Western Ave Studios & Lofts Open Studios and by appointment. Open Studios hours are noon-5 p.m. on Saturdays, Aug. 5, Sept. 2, and Oct. 7, and Sunday, Oct. 8.

Harley’s digital paintings, made with “electronic brushes”, begin with simple geometric patterns as the underpainting, and are then overlaid with transparent and opaque colors. The subtle shifting tones evoke an early morning in May, with a faint sunrise tinting the clouds, and the colors and scents of early Spring underfoot. The intimate gallery space becomes a quiet and serene sanctuary.

He is a digital artist who works from a studio at Western Avenue Lofts and has exhibited widely in national and international galleries and museums.

Call Antoinette Indge, gallery director, at 917-696-1241, or email her at [email protected] for info and to arrange an appointment to see the art other than Open Studios hours.

TALK AT WHISTLER: Lowell’s Whistler House Museum of Art hosts a talk by artist and instructor Paul Ingbretson at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16. He will talk on “The Abstract Connection: Exploring Art through Whistler and Degas.” Both artists were fascinated with depicting and the depictions of everyday life, and the people, places, and events in Parisian culture. All are welcome to attend. RSVP by Monday, Aug. 14 to [email protected].

SAVE THE DATES: The Brush Art Gallery and Studios will host the Still Summer Cocktail Party, 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, at Fuse Bistro, 45 Palmer St., Lowell. A highlight will be a silent auction of watercolor paintings by Brush associate artist Don Sullivan. Visit www.thebrush.org for details… The Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton invites all to The Big Reveal on Saturday, Oct. 14. From 5-7 p.m., enjoy cake, champagne, and music, as you celebrate the museum’s birthday and learn what is planned for the future. Visit www.museumofrussianicons.org for info.

A BREAK: No Eye on Art on Thursday, Aug. 10. But look for it on Thursday, Aug. 17, after a brief summer break.

Nancye Tuttle’s email address is [email protected].

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